Congress Passes Continuing Resolution to Keep Government Open

Congress averted a government shutdown by passing legislation to keep federal agencies funded through March 14, 2025, late Friday night. The continuing resolution was the third attempt by House Speaker Mike Johnson after the first bill was scrapped due to backlash from fellow Republicans, and the second, which would have suspended the debt ceiling, failed to pass the House. The third attempt passed by a vote of 366-34 with one lawmaker voting present. The Senate then took up the bill and passed it by a vote of 85-11 sending it President Biden’s desk to sign. The continuing resolution means that FY 25 funding will be punted to the next Congress after President-elect Trump has taken office.

Although significantly better than a government shutdown, continuing resolutions are no long-term solution for solving our affordable housing crisis. NAHRO will continue to fight for responsible funding for housing and community development programs for FY 25. Underfunding of the HCV program in both House and Senate bills would place this vital assistance at risk for thousands. Due to rising costs to the program over the course of 2024, HUD has noted that the Senate bill would only fund 97.5% of current vouchers. This would place nearly 65,000 families at risk of losing this vital assistance. To protect current voucher holders, Congress must pass a final FY 25 budget that accounts for rising costs to the program. Although continuing resolutions maintain current government funding, they do not account for rising inflationary costs and can have the same effects as a cut in funding.

NAHRO will continue its advocacy work and will ensure that responsible, appropriate funding is top of mind for members as we prepare for our Hill Day during the Washington Conference. Register today!